Report On Shot Tiger Flawed, Lawyer Says

July 31, 2004|By Akilah Johnson South Florida Sun-Sentinel

WEST PALM BEACH -- Rejecting findings in the state's investigation into the shooting death of a 600-pound tiger, owner Steve Sipek's attorney said Friday that his client deserves an apology and the criminal investigation into Bobo's escape should be stopped.

Attorney Cory Strolla said the report is flawed and contradicts previous statements that two officers witnessed Bobo lunge at Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission Officer Jesse C. Lee July 13. He said Lee and Officer Scott Van Buren, who was there as backup, gave conflicting statements about hearing the cat roar and seeing Bobo lunge.

"That's what upset us when FWC said both officers saw the tiger turn and lunge. When in the report Van Buren said he never saw Bobo," Strolla said. "If Bobo was out in plain view and did a 180 [degree turn], how does Officer Van Buren not see Bobo spin around and lunge?"

In the report, Van Buren told investigators that he could not see the cat when he and Lee first approached. It was not until Lee told him it was moving and he began to step forward that Bobo came into view, the report said. He said he never heard the tiger growl, but Lee told investigators "the tiger gave a loud roar."

The cat made international headlines when he was shot and killed by Lee after a 26-hour search. The original plan was to use scouts to find the cat, then have members of a tranquilizer team dart Bobo with a sedative. But after Bobo was spotted, it took more than 20 minutes for the tranquilizer team to arrive.

As Lee and Van Buren waited, the cat got agitated, hissed at Lee with its ears back and teeth showing, then lunged at the officer, the report said. That's when Lee shot him, the report said.

State wildlife officials, have expressed remorse over the tiger's death but defended themselves against criticism. Lee was cleared of any fault.